Fixed Dentures

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 26% of people aged 65 and older have lost most of their teeth, and 15% of people aged 30 and older have lost at least one tooth. Tooth loss affects these individuals’ enjoyment of life and their ability to eat the foods they love. It also impacts their speech and smile, which can reduce self-confidence when meeting people, attending job interviews, or looking at themselves in the mirror.

These patients often turn to replacing missing teeth through dental implants, fixed dental prosthetics, or removable dentures (removable prosthetics and artificial dentures).

What Are the Types of Fixed Dental Prosthetics?

Crowns:

Dental crowns require reshaping (trimming) of the tooth from all sides to create space for the crown. They are placed on a single tooth and do not replace missing teeth.

Bridges:

Dental bridges require reshaping of the teeth from all sides to create space for the crowns. They are placed on one or more teeth to provide an aesthetic appearance and replace missing teeth adjacent to them.

Veneers:

Dental veneers are cosmetic prosthetics that require minimal reshaping of the tooth enamel. They bond effectively with dental adhesive, unlike dentin, which requires very little enamel removal. The reshaping involves the front and possibly the upper part of the front teeth, excluding the back portions.

Endocrowns:

Endocrowns are direct restorations placed on a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment, replacing the need for a post and core. They are made of e.max material.

Porcelain Prosthetics:

Porcelain dental prosthetics consist of a metal layer covered with a layer of porcelain that matches the shape and color of natural teeth. This type of dental prosthetic is popular due to its affordability.

However, it requires special care to maintain the health of the teeth and gums. Over time, the metal beneath the porcelain may become visible, which is a drawback.

Zirconia Prosthetics:

Zirconia dental prosthetics are among the best types of dental prosthetics available today. Unlike porcelain prosthetics, which are made of metal covered with porcelain, zirconia crowns are made of a single layer of strong zirconia that matches the color and shape of natural teeth.

Zirconia prosthetics do not contain any metal, making them the preferred choice for many patients. They do not cause bad odors or infections.

E.max Prosthetics:

E.max dental prosthetics are also among the best options. Like zirconia, they consist of a single layer and do not contain metal. Although slightly less strong than zirconia, they are still very durable and ideal for front teeth prosthetics due to their superior aesthetic appearance compared to zirconia and metal-porcelain prosthetics.

How Are Fixed Dental Prosthetics Installed?

A dental bridge is first installed by reshaping (trimming) the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth and reducing their edges to a certain extent, depending on the type of prosthetic to be placed, such as metal-porcelain, zirconia, e.max, or others. The prosthetic, typically consisting of 3 crowns (dental bridge), though sometimes 2 to 4 crowns depending on the case and the number of missing teeth, is then fixed onto the reshaped teeth using long-term dental adhesive.

A dental crown differs from a dental bridge in that it is placed on a single tooth without replacing adjacent missing teeth. Therefore, it is more commonly used for cosmetic purposes, as a final restoration after root canal treatment, and in many cases recommended by the dentist.

Do Fixed Dental Prosthetics Look Like Natural Teeth?

This is a good question, and here’s why:

1. When installing fixed dental prosthetics, the treating dentist ensures that the color of the prosthetic matches the color and shape of the natural teeth.
2. The dentist considers the gum line in relation to the prosthetic to avoid any dark areas appearing behind the prosthetic in the mouth.
3. The dentist ensures that the prosthetic functions excellently, making it as close as possible to natural teeth.
4. The dentist discusses the types of materials that can be used for the prosthetic and which material is closest in appearance and function to natural teeth.

Are There Side Effects to Fixed Dental Prosthetics?

In some cases, reshaping (trimming) the teeth may affect the tooth nerve, and the tooth may require a root canal treatment to eliminate pain caused by the loss of parts of the tooth, especially if the pain persists for more than a week.

Additionally, dental prosthetics can cause gum inflammation due to food debris accumulation and lack of proper oral hygiene. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain regular brushing, flossing, and dental care to keep the gums and teeth healthy.

What Are the Alternatives to Fixed Dental Prosthetics?

The most common alternative to fixed dental prosthetics is dental implant surgery.

The doctor implants a titanium post into the jawbone to support the crown directly, eliminating the need to reshape (trim) the teeth. This protects the teeth from nerve or gum inflammation.

What Is the Average Lifespan of Fixed Dental Prosthetics?

Clinical research indicates that the average lifespan of fixed dental prosthetics ranges from 10 to 15 years, after which they may need to be replaced or removed.

What Are the Prices of Fixed Dental Prosthetics?

The price of a crown at the best dental prosthetic centers in Egypt ranges between 850 to 2,500 EGP, depending on the type of material used for the prosthetic.